Galatians 2:20 KJV – “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
One of the most amazing things to me in Scripture is how men and women of God expressed their relationship with the Lord in such intimate terms. John the apostle saw himself as beloved, even calling himself the “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 21:7). Though we know Christ died for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), Paul says here in Galatians that Christ lives in me, loves me, and gave Himself for me.
This is an essential practice to keeping your faith from becoming merely a religious ritual. You know God so loved the world that He gave His Son, but put your name in there today: God so loved me that He gave Himself for me and now lives in me, and by faith I can live for Him and He through me. God cares about all that we do. We matter to Him, and each day is meant to be a glorious wonder-filled journey of Him living through us. Yes, that includes both you and me! This is especially important to remember when encountering the bumps and bruises of life, the traumas and tragedies that come to us all.
Consider that Paul wrote Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians from a prison cell; yet each of those letters is a monument of hope and even joy— from a prison cell! Paul understood the intimate love that God had for him. And God has this same love for you and me too.
God loves you, God gave Himself for you, and God lives in and through you —yes, you! Take that with you today and see how it changes your perspective. Remember the adage “One up-look can change your whole outlook.” He who is seated at the right hand of majesty on high loves you!
